Myths and Heroes

I am going to talk about the concept of myths and heroes. First of all, I would like to give a definition of this notion. A myth is a fictitious story which narrates the foundations of a given community. These narratives can convey the ideals of this community and create or perpetuate inspiring heroic figures. In this case, the concept of myths and heroes then serves a more profound purpose in our culture than mere fictional stories. To illustrate this, I have chosen to focus my thought on people's successful careers, that is to say people who started from scratch and reach the top of the social ladder. How can myths and heroes influence people's careers ? Aiming at answering this issue, I will exhibit a rags-to-riches life which is a symbol of the American Dream. Then I will show that political heroes could inspire society as well.

First and foremost, one cannot deny that society is based on founding myths, a collective identity forged around common landmarks and shared values. As elsewhere, but even more so the myths of “The American Dream” in the United States is a great example. Indeed it promotes the idea that not only is personal fulfillment due to honesty and hard-working but it is based also on God’s will. As a captain of industry and a generous philanthropist , Rockefeller is a case in point. He was a role model who likely fostered the American spirit of competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship. In the same token, we studied the rags-to-riches life of Oprah Winfrey in an article taken from the website onlineessays.com. Oprah Winfrey overcame the obstacles of being an African American girl in the South in the 50s and 60s to achieve her goal. She started her own show which soon became the Oprah Winfrey talk-show. Her outlet was a tool to broadcast her principles which influenced America. As well as funding her magazine, her website and her own…...

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Due: 30 Nov 2012
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...

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The critical gaze of the psychologist and sociologist has also entered public consciousness, adding to the forces tearing down the statues of the past. The drives of a great individual are seen to have their roots in an unhappy youth, an obsession with his mother or being spurned by a lover; and his great ambition is said to stem from an early inability to simply hang out with...

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An obvious example would be our soldiers, fighting everyday for our freedoms. To most, these men and women are undoubtably heroes. But there was a time not long ago, that soldiers returning from Vietnam were ridiculed, and treated like traitors, because many people didn't believe in the war they were fighting. Does that make them any less a hero? I don't think so, they had no choice in the reasons for war. In the Nation of Islam, many extremists believe that those who are willing to strap themselves down with explosives, and commit suicide in public places, are the greatest form of hero. To me, that just seems absurd.
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Heroes not only exist in the past but they exist in the present day as well. People that are part of the judiciary system could be considered modern day heroes, if they don't shoot and kill innocent people. They defend the community from unjust acts, they protect the community from people that steal, people that murder, people that commit fraud, people that kidnap etc.
A Hero could even be someone that has authority. Some examples would include a police officer, a teacher, a lawyer, a judge, a psychologist or even a counselor. I believe strongly that a Hero is a person that helps someone even in the face of danger. A psychologist could indeed be someone’s Hero because he/she can make people realize their issues. They could even help solve those issues and helped you become a better person in the process.
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Many people would not go into a house that’s on fire, while everyone else is running out. Firefighters are dedicated to helping others and in some cases like today in Massachusetts three firefighters were trapped when a structure collapsed that they were working in to extinguish the fire. They were all rescued after the collapse and two of them made it out with serious injuries and another gave the ultimate sacrifice. Today unfortunately showed the dangers that the job has and how firefighters put their lives on the line every day. Most believe that a firefighter is a hero and most firefighter’s say it is just part of their job, it is proven daily that it is more than a job they are heroes.
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